Image of Sophora cassioides
IX, Parque Nacional Conguillo, Chile
Altitude: 300-1250 m. 02 15, 2006
Species: | Sophora cassioides (Phil.) Sparre | |
Family: | Fabaceae | |
Order: | Fabales | |
Chilean Name: | Pelú , Mayu-monte , Pilo | |
English Name: | Kowhai | |
German Name: | ||
Russian Name: |
Record: | 0096 |
About 7 Sophora in Chile and 3 in our data base. | |
About 311 Fabaceae in Chile and 199 in our data base. |
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Native Frequent
Height: 10 m. Good ornamental value (A) |
SILENCE KILLS...Civilized Human Beings can not be Silent Accomplices to Murder and War CrimesDid you know that: |
INTRODUCTIONThis is a beautiful shrub with interesting leaves and large yellow coloured flowers which cover the whole plant in the spring. The long beaded strings of fruits give it a special charm in autumn. |
Image of Sophora cassioides IX, Parque Nacional Conguillo, Chile
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DESCRIPTIONPlant type: Tree Flower: Yellow, 5 petals Height: 10 m.
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Image of Sophora cassioides IX, Parque Nacional Conguillo, Chile
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HABITATIn Chile this species grows in the following environmental conditions:
Habitat according to altitude: Low altitude, interior valleys
Watering conditions: Humid areas, with almost constant rainfall. Short dry periods are possible (generally not longer than 1 month).
Light conditions: Some shadow. Some protection against direct sunlight, some shadow from vegetation, filtering about 20 - 40 % of light.
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Image of Sophora cassioides IX, Parque Nacional Conguillo, Chile
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USESGood ornamental value (A)
Useful properties: Timber
The main use of this plant is ornamental due to the abundant flowers, although in the past its wood was also widely used due to its resistance to rotting and hardness. So for instance it was used for making handles and wooden parts of carriages. |
Image of Sophora cassioides IX, Parque Nacional Conguillo, Chile
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GROWING TIPSThis species has the following hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zone 8. The plant tolerates low temperatures (-8° C), can tolerate occasional snow cover for up to a couple of weeks per year.
Very easy to cultivate
Excellent germination capacity, over 80%
acid soil with a significant content of ogranic matter
Recommended germination temperature: +18°C + 22°C
The germination of seeds is easy provided that you break the outer protective skin of the seed. For just a few seeds use a nail-clipper or a file (you have just to scratch the surface, taking off maybe a flake). For larger batches you can use sulphuric acid or mecahnical scarificators (please see specialized literature before attempting this, as use of concentrated acid is very dangerous). Soak the scarred seeds in water for about 24 hours. They should visiblly swell up. If not, you have not scratched them sufficently. Plant immediately, and the seeds should germinate quickly. Do not expose to excessive temperatures during germination. Needs a lot of water, little exposure to sun, and a rather acid and humus-rich soil. The seeds of this plant have a very high germination percentage and they can be stored for decades. Most of the seeds will begin germinating within a few days afer sowing, provided that you have broken the outer layer of the seed skin. If you are interested in purchasing seeds of this or similar species, please go to our On-line Seeds Shop. |
More photos (2) of Sophora cassioides (Phil.) Sparre available here |